Passion Drives the World’s Entrepreneurs to Contribute More Than C$11.1tn to the Global After-Hours Economy

Richmond, B.C. (November 19, 2015) — The world’s small and medium business owners have contributed C$11.1 trillion to the global economy by working beyond the standard industry hours for their businesses, according to a new global survey by Sage. Canadian small and medium businesses have contributed C$281 billion of that C$11.1 trillion.

But these contributions come at a price. Nearly half (46 per cent) of all global business owners work over 40 hours a week. German entrepreneurs are working particularly hard, with 57 per cent working more than 40 hours every week. Canadian entrepreneurs are achieving a better work life balance, with 37 per cent saying they are working more than 40 hours each week.

This survey by Sage, a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, highlights the true sacrifices made by entrepreneurs around the world.

Over a third (36 per cent) of those surveyed say they have sacrificed family time for their businesses. That figure was particularly high in South Africa, where 44 per cent of business owners have had to make the difficult decision to choose work over their family.

Globally, 44 per cent of business owners say that their dedication to their enterprise has affected their relationships. Similarly, 42 per cent of Canadian business owners say their relationships have been affected by their dedication to their companies.

Perhaps as a result of their long working weeks, over half (52 per cent) of German small business owners have canceled a date because of work. This is particularly high compared with the global average of 27 per cent and Canadian average of 28 per cent.

The survey highlights the sacrifices made by small and medium business owners to power the global economy. Over half of business owners globally (66 per cent) and in Canada (64 per cent) say the extra hours are worth it.

More than a third globally (41 per cent) and in Canada (35 per cent) are driven by the love of what they do, while 38 per cent globally and 39 per cent in Canada say they are motivated by the sense of achievement. Particularly motivated are entrepreneurs in South Africa, where 51 per cent say they are motivated by the love of their business, with 59 per cent motivated by the sense of achievement.

Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage comments: "We know it takes hard work and sacrifice to turn a dream business idea into a way of life. This survey highlights the extent of that commitment. It is the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the difference all over the world and the contribution of these businesses that powers the global economy. We should do all we can to support these heroes and recognize all those hours of hard work they are putting in after the rest of the world has gone home."

Nancy Harris, executive vice president and managing director, Canada, adds: "Sage customers power the global economy by true passion for what they do, as well as the sense of achievement they get from seeing their businesses succeed. As a small and medium business champion and provider of innovative technology, Sage is committed to simplifying business accounting and putting control back in the hands of the world’s entrepreneurs, so they can focus on doing what they love most and contribute even more to the global economy."

The research has been launched as part of a broader campaign by Sage to recognize and celebrate the contribution small business owners make to the global economy. As part of this campaign, Sage is calling for small business owners to share why they do what they do through a short video submission. For further details, please visit: Stephen Kelly’s blog.

Sage will also be running a series of online advice sessions, from November 30-December 4. Each will involve a number of Sage spokespeople, including CEO Stephen Kelly, and will address the key challenges of running a small business — as identified by the research. To find out more about these sessions, please visit: Stephen Kelly’s blog.

Research methodology

The survey was conducted among 2,621 business decision makers in companies with under 100 employees in 11 countries. The interviews were conducted online by Redshift Research in November 2015 using an email invitation and an online survey.

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Sage energizes the success of businesses and their communities around the world through the use of smart technology and the imagination of our people. Sage has reimagined business and brings energy, experience and technology to inspire our customers to fulfill their dreams. We work with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers who drive the global economy. Sage is a FTSE 100 company with 14,000 employees in 24 countries. For more information, visit www.sage.com.